Nelson woman helps seek justice for murdered Daniel Pelka

Two countries united in their grief for murdered Coventry schoolboy Daniel Pelka have been able to pay their respects thanks to a Facebook page launched by a Nelson woman.

Campaigner Nicci Astin (37), of Hawarden Street, set up the “Justice For Daniel Pelka” site, after it was revealed that child protection workers failed to intervene in the four year old’s case.

Daniel died in March, 2012, after being brutally starved and beaten by his mother and her partner.

Since seeking justice for the youngster, Nicci has received overwhelming support, with the page gaining over 8,000 likes, and Facebook users writing on it on a daily basis.

Through money raised on the site, a headstone worth over £1,600 has been able to be put in Lodz, Poland, where Daniel is buried.

And on the same day a memorial, inscribed with the same words, was installed at St Paul’s Cemetery, in Coventry – after two generous companies offered their services free of charge.

The memorial was created by Odlings and was installed by JE Hackett and Sons funeral directors.

Mrs Astin, who has been campaigning against child abuse for the past five years, said: “I’m so proud that this has happened.

“It is fitting that they happened at the same time, as it gives people in both Poland and Coventry somewhere to grieve and pay their respects, and it will also make sure Daniel is not invisible and is never forgotten.”

Many people also posted their thoughts on the new tributes to Daniel on Facebook, with one writing: “Beautiful angel child .. Now stay forever young in God’s loving arms ... Wish I could have kept you safe Daniel. This is a touching memorial for him xxx”.

Another said: “So, so beautiful, just like Daniel. God bless you little man xxx”.

Mrs Astin is also backing a petition calling for new legislation requiring the mandatory reporting of child abuse.

To sign the petition visit www.change.org/danielslaw and for more information go to www.facebook.com/Justice ForDanielPelka